Private sector innovation provides quality public outcomes for Martin Place Metro

The unsolicited proposal for the development of the Martin Place metro station demonstrates the innovation that can come from the private sector.

Macquarie Bank’s proposal to fund a new metro station by developing two commercial towers linked by retail arcades is good news for Sydney.

The tax payers do not have to fund the new station as a result of the development opportunities on adjacent sites.

The Martin Place station development follows a similar approach for the renewal of Wynyard station by Brookfield who own adjacent sites to Wynyard. In both cases it is the private sector that has come up with world class designs for the station infrastructure as well as for adjacent tall commercial buildings.

Both of the new station proposals also include major retail outlets to activate the transport concourses which uses private sector expertise in making bustling public spaces.

Sydney is developing an extensive underground pedestrian network that still connects to natural light through the station redevelopments. This dry pedestrian network will be the perfect route for commuters during future wet weather like the current heavy rain that Sydney is going through.

The Urban Taskforce encourages the NSW Government to use the unsolicited proposal process in other locations where private sector innovation can deliver quality public domain outcomes.

Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be contacted here.